Fitness

“It’s never too late to start training,” Mohamed Ali says laughingly, “I started at seventeen and competing at eighteen!” There was something so innocent about him – until the gloves came on – then all bets were off. A lean, mean, killing machine – Mohamed Ali is as fierce as they come. At the young age of twenty, this Cairo University Faculty of Law student has been making waves in the region. It all started when he went with a friend of his to watch him practice – and the rest is history. “I started boxing and competing when I was seventeen under the keen mentorship of Coach Tarek Burjas,” he explained, “but I was soon banned from competing in Kuwait since I’m not Kuwaiti.” As opposed to quitting, Mohamed changed his focus to kickboxing and excelled.

“It was a way I could continue to train and stay fit,” Mohamed said, “but then the competitions started and I joined – even though I had to start expanding my practice to MMA.” While his age hadn’t permitted him to compete initially, he was never discouraged and kept practicing. The professionally undefeated champion – he only lost once in an amateur fight – is beyond humble. “I’m currently studying to become a lawyer,” he blushes, “but I live and train in Kuwait, so I only fly back to Cairo for my exams.” His dedication is absolutely inspiring, and his love for the sport shines through.

Humbled by his beginnings, Mohamed never competed for the fame and fortune – he did it for himself. While a professional career in the fighting arts might open doors, his concern is solely for his form. “Don’t do it for the fame or the money,” he stressed, “Do it for you.” An excellent way to stay in shape, boxing and kickboxing were always a way for him to stay in excellent form. Yet with all his hard work, it was difficult not to become recognized. “There was a time were I got hit because I lost focus in a match,” he laughed, “that’s why focus is key.”

As he sat there in his jeans and tee, it was evident that he was itching to get into his fight-gear to show us his moves. But before we let him jump into the ring, we just had to know more about the fight scene and what made him lose that one time. As the undefeated champion in the professional fight world, his first amateur fight on the MBC Action show “Desert Force” didn’t go well. “In the amateur fight scene, the rules are stricter.” Not realizing the amount and difficulty of the rules put him in a vulnerable position against his opponent.

Still, through all his other fights, Mohamed has held onto his undefeated champion status. There was one question irking us before he changed into his gear to start practice – and for us to snap a few awesome photos – which country he represents while competing. “Egypt of course!” he says without hesitation. “I never get into a cage, rink, or anything without carrying my flag over my shoulders.” Spoken like a true patriot. Keep your eyes open for this incredible fighter, with his entire future ahead of him, we wish him nothing but the best in his next match!

Follow Mohamed Ali’s journey as he continues to be the undefeated champion in the region by checking out his Instagram @zikomixicoo.